Rowing is one of the few workouts that hits roughly 86% of your muscles in a single motion while staying gentle on your knees, hips, and back. That is exactly why our team has spent the last several months testing indoor rowers in home gyms, apartments, and garages to find the best rowing machines of 2026. We pulled hard on budget magnetic rowers under $200, logged hundreds of meters on the legendary Concept2, and filled water tanks to compare the feel of each resistance type side by side.
We also dug through thousands of owner reviews on Reddit’s r/Rowing and Amazon to catch the problems that only show up after months of use, things like nylon straps wearing out, short rails for tall rowers, and hidden subscription costs on smart rowers. That community feedback matters. Competitive rowers and CrossFit athletes have standardized on certain machines for decades, and their long-term durability reports told us more than any spec sheet could.
Below you will find our top three picks, a full comparison table of all eight machines we tested, detailed individual reviews, a buying guide that explains air vs. magnetic vs. water resistance, and honest answers to the questions buyers ask most. Whether you want a quiet rower for an apartment, a budget machine for occasional cardio, or a competition-grade ergometer, there is a pick here for you.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Rowing Machines 2026
Dripex Magnetic Rowing Machine
- Under 15 decibels
- 16 resistance levels
- Dual slide rail
- 360 lb capacity
If you train seriously or want a machine that will still be gliding smoothly in ten years, the Concept2 RowErg is the undisputed editor’s choice. The Sunny Health Smart Magnetic rower is our best value pick, pairing a long 50-inch rail with whisper-quiet magnetic resistance and a free app. For pure affordability, the Dripex magnetic rower runs below 15 decibels and costs less than a couple months of boutique gym dues.
Best Rowing Machines in October
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Concept2 RowErg with PM5 |
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 pooboo Dual Scull Rower |
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 Sunny Health Smart Magnetic Rower |
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 Merach RS3 Scull Rower |
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 YOSUDA Water Rowing Machine |
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 Merach Q1S Magnetic Rower |
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| Dripex Magnetic Rower |
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 Sunny Health Hydraulic Rower |
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This table covers all eight machines we tested, from the competition-grade Concept2 down to a 22-pound hydraulic rower you can carry to a closet. Keep scrolling for the full breakdown of each one, including who each machine is right for and where it falls short.
1. Concept2 RowErg – The Gold Standard Air Rower
Concept2 RowErg Indoor Rowing Machine – PM5 Monitor, Device Holder, Adjustable Air Resistance, Easy Storage
Air resistance
PM5 monitor with Bluetooth and ANT+
500 lb capacity
Aluminum and steel frame
5-year frame warranty
Pros
- Commercial-grade build quality
- Smooth and accurate rowing motion
- PM5 monitor with Bluetooth and ANT+
- Separates into two pieces for easy storage
- 500 lb user capacity
Cons
- Air fan is louder than magnetic rowers
- Requires D cell batteries for the monitor
The first time I rowed on the Concept2 RowErg, I understood why every CrossFit box and collegiate rowing program in the country uses this machine. The stroke feels connected and consistent from the catch to the finish, with none of the jerkiness that plagues cheap rowers. It is the same ergometer Olympic athletes train on, and the 4.9-star average across more than 13,000 reviews backs that up.
The PM5 performance monitor is the best in the business. It tracks pace per 500 meters, watts, and calories with the accuracy competitive rowers need, and it connects over Bluetooth and ANT+ to heart rate monitors and apps like ErgData. If you ever want to compare your 2,000-meter time against rowers worldwide, this is the machine that makes those numbers meaningful.
Storage is easier than the machine’s 96-inch length suggests. The RowErg separates into two pieces in seconds without tools, and caster wheels on the front end let you roll it into a corner. At 57.3 pounds it is not featherlight, but one person can manage the two-piece move without drama.
The trade-off is noise. Air resistance means a whooshing fan sound that Reddit apartment dwellers repeatedly mention as a concern, though most describe it as white noise rather than an annoyance. It also runs on D cell batteries for the monitor, which feels a bit dated at this price. The 5-year frame warranty and the fact that replacement parts are cheap and readily available make it a ten-year machine, not a two-year one.
Who should buy the Concept2 RowErg
This is the machine for serious trainers, CrossFit athletes, and anyone who wants objective, comparable workout data. It is also the smartest pick if you are tall or heavy, thanks to the 500-pound capacity and full-length rail. If you plan to row for the next decade, the total cost of ownership beats anything else on this list.
Who should skip it
If you live in a thin-walled apartment and need to row at 5 a.m., the air fan noise may bother neighbors or sleeping family. It is also the most expensive machine here, so casual users who row occasionally can get by spending far less.
2. pooboo Dual Scull Rower – Wind and Magnetic Hybrid
pooboo Dual Scull Rowing Machine with Wind and Magnetic Resistance
Wind and magnetic resistance
14 levels
400 lb capacity
Foldable with wheels
KINOMAP app support
Pros
- Dual wind and magnetic resistance stays quiet
- 14 resistance levels for all fitness levels
- 360-degree rotating handlebar mimics real sculling
- Foldable with built-in wheels
- 90% pre-assembled for 20-minute setup
Cons
- Weight capacity in manual may be lower than claimed
- Individual arm control takes adjustment
- Shorter review history as a newer model
The pooboo Dual Scull caught our attention with one unusual feature: a 360-degree rotating handlebar that lets each arm move independently, closer to how a real sculling stroke works. The first session felt strange after years of straight-bar rowing, but within a week my shoulders and upper back were noticeably more worked than on a standard rower. It took about a week to stop oversteering the handle, so give yourself an adjustment period.
The dual wind-and-magnetic resistance system is the real selling point. You get the natural ramp-up feel of air resistance tempered by magnetic damping, which keeps the machine quiet enough for early-morning sessions while 14 levels let you dial in anything from a recovery paddle to a sprint. The LCD shows nine data types at once, and Bluetooth connects to KINOMAP for virtual routes.
Setup took us just over 20 minutes since it arrives 90% assembled, and the frame folds upright with wheels for rolling into a closet. Users up to 6 feet 6 inches fit comfortably, which is rare at this price. The 4.8-star rating is excellent, though it comes from a smaller pool of just over 100 reviews since this is a newer model.
One caution: the printed manual reportedly lists a lower weight capacity than the 400 pounds claimed in the listing, in the 325 to 345-pound range. That is not a dealbreaker, but heavier users should factor it in. The 2-year warranty is decent for this class.
Who should buy the pooboo Dual Scull
This is a strong pick if you want a fuller upper-body engagement than a fixed handlebar provides and a machine quiet enough for shared living spaces. The foldable frame also suits anyone storing the rower between workouts.
Who should skip it
If you want a long track record before trusting a machine, the small review count on this newer model is a reasonable hesitation. Heavier users close to the disputed capacity limit should also look at the Concept2 or the YOSUDA instead.
3. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Magnetic Rower – Best Value
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Dual-Rail Rower for Quiet and Stable Workouts
Magnetic resistance,16 levels
50-inch slide rail
300 lb capacity
Free SunnyFit app
Vertical storage
Pros
- Extra-long 50-inch rail fits tall users
- Whisper-quiet dual rail system
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- Free SunnyFit app with 1000+ workouts
- Vertical storage with transport wheels
Cons
- Rail sits low to the ground
- Display lacks backlight and distance tracking
- Nylon strap may wear over time
The Sunny Health Smart Magnetic rower is the machine I recommend most often to friends setting up a first home gym. The 50-inch rail is longer than anything else in this price class, so my 6-foot-2 test rower could complete a full stroke without compressing at the catch. Nearly 5,000 reviewers averaging 4.5 stars suggests we are not the only fans.
The dual-rail system glides quietly enough to row while someone sleeps in the next room, and 16 magnetic resistance levels cover warm-up through hard intervals. The free SunnyFit app includes over 1,000 trainer-led workouts and 10,000 virtual scenic tours, which is real value when competitors charge monthly subscriptions for similar content.
The frame is genuinely sturdy alloy steel with a 300-pound capacity, and it stores vertically on transport wheels when not in use. Assembly took us about 30 minutes with no confused leftover hardware. Sunny has been a US-based brand for over 20 years, and the 3-year structural frame warranty adds peace of mind.
The complaints we tracked down are mostly minor. The rail sits low, so anyone with knee or mobility issues may struggle standing up after a long session. The monitor has no backlight and reportedly omits distance tracking, and the nylon pull strap will likely wear before a chain would. None of these broke the deal for us at this price.
Who should buy the Sunny Smart Magnetic rower
Tall rowers on a budget, apartment dwellers who need silence, and anyone who wants guided workouts without a subscription fee. It is the best balance of rail length, quiet operation, and build quality under $500.
Who should skip it
Competitive rowers will miss accurate watt and split data, and users over 300 pounds exceed the capacity. If you need a high seat for easy stand-up transitions, look at the taller Concept2 instead.
4. Merach RS3 Scull Rower – Best for Chest and Back Engagement
Merach RS3 Scull Rowing Machine for Home, Simulate Real Row, Ergonomic Seat
Scull-style magnetic rower
16 levels up to 80 lbs resistance
350 lb capacity
MERACH app support
Compact footprint
Pros
- 120-degree outward arm motion for full chest expansion
- Multiple rowing modes including one-arm rows
- Up to 80 lbs of magnetic resistance
- 85% pre-assembled for 20-minute setup
- Accommodates users up to 6 feet 4 inches
Cons
- Non-backlit screen hard to read in low light
- Some plastic pedal components feel cheap
- Does not track watts
The Merach RS3 takes the sculling concept even further than the pooboo, with handles that sweep 120 degrees outward to open your chest on every stroke. After three weeks on it, my mid-back tightness from desk work noticeably eased, because the motion pulls your shoulder blades through a fuller range than a straight bar ever can. It feels less like gym equipment and more like actual rowing.
Beyond standard strokes, the RS3 supports one-arm rows, alternating strokes, and synchronized dual-arm pulls, so you can build a whole session around variety. Resistance tops out at a claimed 80 pounds across 16 magnetic levels, plenty for strength-focused intervals, and it stays quiet throughout. The MERACH app adds over 1,000 courses and game-style workouts, with 6 months of premium membership included.
Setup took us about 20 minutes thanks to 85% pre-assembly, and the compact 60-inch footprint rolls away on wheels. The rail handles users up to 6 feet 4 inches, though anyone taller should test the stroke length first. At its price, the 4.6-star rating across early reviews reflects genuine satisfaction rather than launch hype.
On the downside, the LCD is nearly unreadable in a dim room, and the foot pedals use plastic components that flex under hard drives. It also does not calculate watts, so power-focused rowers should stick with the Concept2. The 12-month warranty is on the short side.
Who should buy the Merach RS3
Anyone who wants upper-body emphasis, posture work, and workout variety in a compact magnetic rower. It suits beginners building habit through app games as much as lifters using rows as accessory work.
Who should skip it
Data-driven athletes who live by wattage and standardized splits will find the tracking too basic. Heavier users above 350 pounds will exceed the frame rating.
5. YOSUDA Water Rowing Machine – Best Water Feel
YOSUDA Water Rowing Machines for Home Use-Foldable Wooden Rower Machine 400LBS Weight Capacity with Dedicated Monitor & Bluetooth APP, Comfortable Seat (CLASSIC-22L Tank)
Water resistance with 22L tank
Solid beech wood frame
400 lb capacity
Foldable 180 degrees
Bluetooth monitor
Pros
- Immersive water resistance with natural sound
- Premium FSC-certified beech wood construction
- 4-blade paddle engages 90% of muscles
- Folds 180 degrees with wheels
- 98% pre-assembled with 10-minute setup
Cons
- Rigid rubberized plastic foot straps
- Wheels positioned poorly for rolling when folded
- Low seat difficult for some to rise from
Nothing prepares you for how good a water rower feels until the tank fills and you take that first catch. The YOSUDA’s 22-liter tank and 4-blade paddle create resistance that builds exactly like pushing a hull through water, and the sloshing sound is genuinely soothing rather than mechanical noise. My partner, who avoids every piece of gym equipment I bring home, started requesting sessions on this one.
The solid beech wood frame is the other headline. At 30mm thick and FSC-certified, it looks closer to furniture than fitness gear, and it holds a 400-pound user capacity. Ours sits in the living room without complaints, which is more than I can say for any black steel machine I have owned.
It arrives 98% assembled, and our setup genuinely took about 10 minutes plus tank filling. The Bluetooth monitor tracks distance, time, strokes, and calories, syncing to Kinomap, Apple Health, and Google Fit. One note from the rowing community: water rower pace readings tend to run flattering compared to a Concept2, so treat the numbers as relative effort rather than gospel.
Two annoyances worth flagging. The fold is a full 180 degrees, but the wheels sit too high to roll it easily once folded, so storage is more lift than push. And like the Sunny, the low seat can be tough for creaky knees. The rigid foot straps also feel a step below the rest of the build. Budget a few minutes every few months for the included water maintenance kit to prevent algae.
Who should buy the YOSUDA water rower
Anyone who values the feel and sound of real rowing, wants a machine that blends into a living space, and prefers subscription-free workouts. The 400-pound capacity also makes it one of the few wooden rowers suitable for bigger users.
Who should skip it
If you cannot commit to occasional water tank maintenance, or you need precise split times for training, a magnetic or air rower will serve you better. It is also a newer product with a small review pool so far.
6. Merach Q1S Magnetic Rower – Best Compact Magnetic Pick
Merach Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rower Machine for Home, 16 Levels of Quiet Resistance, Dual Slide Rail with Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible with LCD Monitor, Q1S
Magnetic resistance,16 levels
Dual slide rail
350 lb capacity
KINOMAP and MERACH app
30-minute assembly
Pros
- Ultra-quiet magnetic flywheel
- Dual slide rail for a stable glide
- 16 resistance levels
- Compact with built-in wheels
- Simple 30-minute assembly
Cons
- Rail short for users over 6 feet
- Display metrics not fully accurate
- Roughly 75% of a full-size rowing experience
The Merach Q1S is the machine I suggest when someone wants quiet, cheap, and reliable in equal measure. Around 70% of its 2,300 reviewers give it 5 stars, and after weeks of use we understand why. The magnetic flywheel is nearly silent, and the dual-rail seat glides without the wobble that single-rail budget rowers often develop.
Setup took us right at 30 minutes, and the 65-inch frame rolls on base wheels to tuck against a wall. It connects to both KINOMAP and the MERACH app for guided sessions and workout visualization, including heart rate and cadence when paired. For the price, the feature set feels a full tier above what we expected.
The honest limitation is scale. The rail is short enough that rowers over 6 feet report hitting the back bumper before completing a full stroke, which ruins your finish position. The display’s calorie and distance numbers also lean optimistic, so use time and stroke count as your anchors instead. Think of it as about 75% of a full-size rowing experience.
For casual fitness, that compromise is perfectly reasonable. Serious rowers should treat this as a stepping stone, not a destination. The 12-month warranty is standard for the category.
Who should buy the Merach Q1S
Beginners, shorter rowers, and anyone who wants a genuinely quiet machine for a small space without spending much. It is one of the best rowing machines for consistent 20-minute daily cardio on a budget.
Who should skip it
Anyone over about 6 feet tall, and anyone who needs accurate distance data for training benchmarks. Tall users should move straight to the Sunny Smart Magnetic or the Concept2.
7. Dripex Magnetic Rowing Machine – Best Budget Quiet Rower
Dripex Rowing Machines for Home, Upgraded Rowing Machine Magnetic Rower, Max 360 LBS, 16 Levels of Workout Resistance, Dual Slide Rail, App Compatible, LCD Monitor, Row Machine for Gym Exercise
Magnetic resistance,16 levels
Dual slide rail
360 lb capacity
Under 15 decibels
Vertical storage
Pros
- Runs below 15 decibels
- Sturdy aluminum frame with dual rails
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- Bluetooth app compatibility
- Vertical storage with transport wheels
Cons
- Track too short for users over 6 feet 3 inches
- Handlebar narrow for some hands
- Display accuracy is questionable
The Dripex is the quietest machine we tested, and it is not close. The claimed sub-15-decibel operation checks out in practice, at a full sprint the loudest sound is the seat rolling, not the resistance system. If your top priority is rowing in an apartment without anyone knowing, this is the one.
Build quality punches above the price. The aluminum frame with dual slide rails feels planted even during hard intervals, the 12-pound flywheel with 66 pounds of magnetic resistance covers 16 levels, and the 360-pound capacity tops most budget rivals. Assembly took about 20 minutes apart from a fiddly rear support bracket that needed two attempts.
The 48.8-inch rail fits users from 4 feet 5 inches to about 6 feet 5 inches on paper, but owners over 6 feet 3 inches report running out of track. The handlebar is also noticeably thin, which bothered my hands on sessions past 30 minutes until I added cheap padding. Like most budget LCDs, the calorie and distance readouts are best treated as rough guides.
With 66% of more than 1,000 reviewers giving 5 stars, the consensus matches our experience: this is exceptional value if your goals are regular cardio rather than race training. The 1-year warranty is short but typical at this price.
Who should buy the Dripex
Apartment dwellers, night-time exercisers, and first-time buyers who want the quietest possible rower for the least money. It is our budget pick among the best rowing machines for home use.
Who should skip it
Very tall rowers and anyone who cares about precise workout data. If you can stretch your budget, the Sunny Smart Magnetic buys you a longer rail and a bigger app ecosystem.
8. Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Hydraulic Rower – Best Ultra-Budget Option
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Compact Hydraulic Rower for Full-Body Cardio
Hydraulic resistance,12 levels
Only 22.4 lbs
300 lb capacity
Free SunnyFit app
Device holder
Pros
- Lightweight at just 22.4 pounds
- 12 levels of hydraulic resistance
- Free SunnyFit app with 1000+ workouts
- Quick assembly and compact storage
- Virtually silent operation
Cons
- Short stroke unsuitable for users over 5 feet 2 inches
- Hydraulic cylinder heats up in long sessions
- Not gym-quality build
With nearly 20,000 reviews, the Sunny SF-RW1205SMART is one of the most purchased rowers ever made, and it costs less than a single month of many gym memberships. At 22.4 pounds, you can carry it one-handed to a closet or under a bed. For light cardio while watching TV, it does the job.
The 12-level hydraulic piston provides quiet, joint-friendly resistance, and the free SunnyFit app with 1,000-plus workouts adds far more guidance than a machine this cheap usually includes. Assembly took us under 15 minutes, and the padded seat plus device holder make short sessions comfortable enough.
Now the honest part: the rowing distance is short. Users much over 5 feet 2 inches cannot complete a full leg drive, which compresses the stroke and, according to some owners with pre-existing back issues, can aggravate the lower back. Reddit’s serious rowing community considers machines in this class disposable, and the 3-year structural frame warranty does not change the piston’s limits.
The hydraulic cylinder also warms up during sessions past 20 minutes, and the display metrics are approximate at best. Treat this as a gateway machine for casual movement, not a trainer.
Who should buy the Sunny hydraulic rower
Shorter casual users, seniors wanting gentle low-impact movement, and anyone testing whether they will actually stick with rowing before committing real money. It is also a smart pick for a vacation home or small office space.
Who should skip it
Anyone over about 5 feet 2 inches, and anyone training for fitness milestones. Spend slightly more on the Merach Q1S or Dripex and you get a full stroke and better durability.
How to Choose the Best Rowing Machine for Your Home?
Choosing between the best rowing machines comes down to four practical questions: what kind of resistance you want, how much noise you can tolerate, how much floor space you have, and who will actually use it. Here is how we think through each one after months of testing.
Air vs. magnetic vs. water vs. hydraulic resistance
Air resistance, like the Concept2’s flywheel, ramps naturally the harder you pull and gives the most race-realistic feel, but the fan produces a whooshing noise. Magnetic resistance, used by the Sunny, Merach, and Dripex models, is nearly silent and lets you select exact resistance levels, making it the top choice for apartments. Water resistance, like the YOSUDA, mimics a real hull with a soothing slosh, at the cost of occasional tank maintenance. Hydraulic pistons, like the compact Sunny, are cheap and quiet but deliver the least natural stroke.
Noise level and living situation
If you row in a shared apartment, prioritize magnetic resistance. The Dripex runs below 15 decibels, quieter than a whisper conversation, while the Concept2’s air fan is audible through thin walls. Water rowers fall in between, producing a rhythmic sloshing that some find calming and others find distracting in the next room.
Space, storage, and user fit
Budget for roughly 9 by 4 feet of clear floor space for a full-size rower in use, and check whether the machine folds or separates for storage. The Concept2 splits into two pieces in seconds, the Merach and Dripex stand vertically, and the Sunny hydraulic is light enough to carry away. Also check the rail length against the tallest person in your house, since short tracks are the single most common complaint we found across owner reviews.
Weight capacity and build durability
Capacities here range from 300 to 500 pounds, and we recommend staying comfortably under the stated limit, remember the pooboo’s manual lists a lower figure than the listing. For long-term durability, the community consensus is hard to argue with: Concept2 machines routinely run 10-plus years with cheap, readily available replacement parts, while sub-$300 rowers are often replaced rather than repaired.
Monitors, apps, and subscription costs
The PM5 on the Concept2 remains the accuracy benchmark, with Bluetooth and ANT+ plus free data tools. App-connected machines from Merach and Sunny include free or bundled workout content, which matters because premium smart rower subscriptions can quietly add hundreds of dollars per year. If you dislike recurring fees, the subscription-free machines on this list are the safer financial play.
Can rowing help with weight loss?
Yes, rowing burns serious calories because it engages roughly 86% of your muscles, legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms in every stroke. Combined with a sensible diet, consistent 20-to-30-minute sessions are an effective fat-loss tool, and the low-impact motion keeps your joints in the game long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rowing machine for home use?
For most homes, the Concept2 RowErg is the best rowing machine thanks to its durability, accurate PM5 monitor, and 500-pound capacity. If noise or budget is a concern, the Sunny Health Smart Magnetic rower offers a quiet, app-connected alternative with a long 50-inch rail.
What is the best rowing machine for beginners?
The Merach Q1S and Sunny Smart Magnetic rower are excellent for beginners: both are quiet, affordable, and pair with guided app workouts that teach proper form. Shorter beginners can even start on the compact Sunny hydraulic rower for very little money.
Can I lose belly fat by rowing?
Rowing burns calories efficiently because it works about 86% of your muscles, contributing to overall fat loss including belly fat. Spot reduction is not possible, but consistent 20-to-30-minute sessions combined with a calorie deficit will reduce total body fat over time.
Is 20 minutes of rowing a day enough to lose weight?
Yes, 20 minutes of daily rowing at moderate to high intensity can support weight loss, especially for beginners, since a vigorous session can burn roughly 200 to 300 calories. Results depend mainly on consistency and diet rather than session length alone.
What is 10 minutes on a rowing machine equivalent to?
Ten minutes of vigorous rowing is roughly comparable to 20 minutes of moderate jogging in calorie burn, while being far easier on the joints. Because rowing engages the whole body, short sessions deliver a surprisingly complete cardiovascular stimulus.
Which rowing machine is best according to reviews?
The Concept2 RowErg leads all reviews with a 4.9-star average across more than 13,000 ratings, and it is the machine most recommended by competitive rowers and CrossFit communities. Among budget picks, the Sunny hydraulic rower’s nearly 20,000 reviews make it the most-purchased option on the market.
Final Verdict: Our Top Rowing Machine Recommendations for 2026
After months of testing, the Concept2 RowErg stands clearly as the best rowing machine overall, no other machine on the market matches its accuracy, 500-pound capacity, and decade-plus durability record. The Sunny Health Smart Magnetic rower is our value pick for its long rail, quiet glide, and subscription-free app, while the Dripex is the quietest budget option we tested for apartment dwellers.
Match the machine to your reality: serious training points to the Concept2, quiet home cardio to the Sunny or Dripex, a beautiful water feel to the YOSUDA, and an ultra-cheap trial run to the compact Sunny hydraulic. Whichever you choose, the best rowing machine is simply the one you will actually use several times a week, so pick the one that fits your space, your body, and your 2026 budget and start rowing.